Department of Special Services and Educational Support

The Department of Special Services (DSS) is home to several programs, projects and services designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse student population. Our primary goal involves the use of system, school, grade level, and student specific data to meet the needs of all learners. Benchmark assessments measure the progress of all children to ensure adequate progress, and early intervention services offer additional support as warranted. The Student Support Team (SST) at each school tracks the results of targeted assistance in the event that students continue to demonstrate academic or behavior difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation process is available for students if screening results indicate their inability to demonstrate progress may be due to a disability.

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship and SB10

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program provides eligible special education students with the opportunity to attend another public or an approved private school. Student eligibility and consequent scholarship awards are determined by the Georgia Department of Education (DOE). Information and resources such as parent responsibilities, student eligibility criteria, deadlines and required transfer requests forms can be accessed from the Additional Resources link on the Special Needs Scholarship Program webpage. Marietta City Schools will render a decision approximately five business days after receiving and evaluating the public school choice option forms submitted by the parent. Please submit public schools choice option forms for inter- or intra-district transfer via fax or mail, and direct any questions or concerns regarding Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program to Jody Drum at jdrum@marietta-city.k12.ga.us.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

What Is Section 504?Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These organizations and employers include many hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers and human service programs.

Section 504 forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. It defines the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in, and have access to, program benefits and services.

Special Education

Marietta City Schools provides a free, appropriate public education, in the least restrictive environment, to each student with a disability. This includes individualized instruction to meet a student’s educational and social needs in an effort to prepare the student for post-secondary education and/or employment and independent living. A full continuum of special education placement and related service options are available.

Marietta City Special Needs Preschool

Special education and related services are provided for children with identified disabilities beginning at the age of three. The Marietta City Preschool Program (MCPP) is located at 461 Allgood Road, Marietta, GA 30060.

For additional information contact:
Marietta City Preschool Program at (770) 427-4631 option, 4, orChristine Ramirez, Administrator of Support Service

School Psychology Services

Marietta City Schools employs four full-time school psychologists who are skilled practitioners in the areas of psycho-educational assessment, special education procedures, childhood and adolescent development, behavior management, intervention planning, crisis counseling, and consultation. They use their knowledge of psychology, reinforced by familiarity with the latest research regarding school psychological practice, to assess students and intervene in a variety of mental health, developmental, learning, and behavior problems and disabilities. In addition to certification by the Department of Education, one of our school psychologists is licensed by the State Board of Psychology and two are Nationally Certified School Psychologists.

Student Support Teams (SSTs)

Student Support Teams (SSTs), required in every Georgia public school, are teams of educators who meet to solve the academic and behavioral problems that students sometimes have. For information about the SST in a particular school, contact that school.

Marietta City Schools

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The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student
programs, and dealings with the public.